In this notice, we explain how medical information about you may be used and discounted, as well as how you may access that information. Take the time to read it carefully.
We intend to share this Privacy Practice Notice with you to let you know how your Personal Health Information (PHI) will be used and shared. It also lets you know how to gain access to the PHI. Additionally, the notice tells you about your privacy rights. Our team is required by law to maintain the privacy of your PHI, to provide you with updates on our obligations toward that data, and to notify you if your information is ever compromised.
If you receive care at our facilities and also need to visit another healthcare practitioner, this Notice does not apply to how we handle your PHI at those other offices. The healthcare professional may have his or her own privacy notice too, so make sure to read it to find out how your PHI will be handled.
Your personally identifiable information (also known as "PHI") may be used without your consent to conduct clinical research and make decisions about treatment, payment, or healthcare operations. In any case, where there are stricter state requirements or restrictions, we will only use your PHI as permitted by those stricter requirements.
Generally, we will not use or disclose your PHI without your authorization, but there are a few exceptions. For example, we will share your information in the following situations;
We may use and disclose PHI as necessary to ensure the provision of care, treatment, or services. We may also offer to share information with other providers who can help you if we believe that it would be in your best interest or to see if there are any treatments that could be offered to you.
Your PHI may be disclosed to cover basic clinic needs, like reimbursement fees or compensation.
When your medical information is needed for our own internal evaluations, when we contract with legal providers, or when we partner with other companies, your PHI may need to be disclosed.
It's important to know that your PHI can be used and disclosed for research purposes, subject to certain circumstances. If you decide to participate in a study, you will not be the subject of research without first giving informed consent. If you decide to participate, your identity and health information will remain confidential during and after the research is completed.
Under the right circumstances, we may release protected health information about you to someone who is involved in your medical care or to someone who pays for your care. We can also give information about your condition and general information on the facility to family, friends, or any other individual who asks. But if you don't want to be included in the directory, that's a solution too.
In some cases, we might need to provide PHI about you. For example, we might share your PHI with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in order to ensure we're complying with federal laws.
We have to abide by military regulations. If you are a member of the armed forces, we may share your medical information with military command authorities as necessary. We may also share some of your medical information with appropriate foreign military authorities.
It is your right to have access to your health information. Our responsibilities and your rights are explained here;
Your medical record can be obtained in electronic or paper form
Get a copy of your medical record and other health-related information from us in electronic or paper copy.
You’ll usually receive a copy or a summary of your health information within 30 days of submitting a request. You might be charged a reasonable fee.
You can ask us to correct your medical records
We can correct any health information about you that you believe is inaccurate or incomplete. We can help you with this.
Your request might be denied, but we'll explain why within 60 days.
It is possible to request that we contact you through a particular method (for example, a home or office phone) or send mail to a different address.
All reasonable requests will be granted by us.
If you don't want certain health information to be used or shared for treatment, payment, or operation purposes, you can ask us not to do so. Your request does not have to be approved by us.
When you pay for services or health care items out-of-pocket in full, you can choose not to share that information with your health insurer. Unless we are legally obligated to share the information, we will say "yes.".
If you ask, we will provide you with a list of how, when, and with whom we shared your health information.
There will be no disclosures about treatment, payment, or health care operations, and certain other disclosures (such as those you asked us to include) make). You’ll receive one accounting a year for free, but if you request another within one year, we’ll charge a reasonable, fee-based fee.
If you have agreed to receive this notice electronically, you can request a paper copy at any time. You will receive a paper copy as soon as possible.
People who have medical power of attorney or are your legal guardians can exercise your rights and make decisions about your health.
Before taking any action, we will ensure the person has this authority and can act for you.
Please contact us if you feel your rights have been violated by using the information on the page to file a complaint.
You can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights by sending a letter to 200 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20201, calling 1-877-696-6775, or visiting www.hhs.gov/ocr/ privacy/hipaa/complaints/.
You will not be retaliated against by us if you file a complaint.
When it comes to your health, you're in charge. Let us know the information you want us to share with your health providers in the situations described below. We will follow your instructions if you tell us what to do.
In these cases, you have both the right and choice to tell us to:
It may be necessary to share your information if you are unable to express your preference. For example, if you are unconscious, it may be in your best interest to share. It is also necessary to share in the event of a serious and potential threat
For marketing purposes
Using your information for sale
Most sharing of psychotherapy notes
You may receive a fundraising request from us, but we want you to be in control. If this is not something you wish to be contacted about, please notify us.
In what ways do we typically use or share your health information? Take a look at the following details related to data sharing by us.
Treat you
If you are being treated by other professionals, we can use that information and share it with them.
The information we collect about you can be used and shared for the purpose of running our practice, making improvements to your care, and contacting you if necessary.
Billing and receiving payment from health plans or other entities can be done based on your health information.
Help with public health and safety issues
The prevention of disease
Reporting adverse reactions to medications as part of product recalls
Abuse, neglect, or domestic violence should be reported
A serious threat to health or safety can be prevented or reduced
We can alsor share your information for a health research.
Whenever state or federal law requires it, we'll share your data with the Department of Health and Human Services if they want to make sure we're complying with its privacy laws.
We may share your personal health information with organ procurement organizations, to help them find someone a donor.
Work with workers' compensation, law enforcement, and other government agencies
We may share your health information if asked by a court or administartive order.
For more information see: www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/understanding/consumers/noticepp.html.
We reserve the right to modify this notice, and the changes will apply to all information we have about you. The new notice will be available upon request, in our office, and on our website.